The Blind Pig Brewery's custom mug filled with discounted draft on a Tuesday evening.
Scholars in communication, sociology, anthropology and other fields will tell you that ritual is important. Rituals can be full of deep meaning or a force of habit, they can be silly or serious, communal or individual; but the primary function of ritual is to enrich our lives by giving us structure and helping us connect with others.
In another city, some friends and I had a ritual of going to breakfast at the same diner every weekend. The time didn’t matter — sometimes early, sometimes late — but doing something together every weekend helped us maintain our friendships while incorporating some relaxation and good food into busy lives. I’ve found a new ritual here in CU and I’d like to invite you, dear reader, to share it with me.
Every Tuesday and Wednesday, you can see people of all ages walking towards the Brewery carrying their mugs. Some people meet up with friends. Some people bring takeout from their favorite local restaurant and make it a dinner thing. Some people mix business with pleasure by bringing work to the bar. All of them participate in the ritual of mug night. Why there are two nights that are jointly referred to as “mug night” in a singular sense, I don’t know. Ritual doesn’t have to make sense.
The rules of mug night are simple. First, you buy a mug for $5 at the Brewery. This mug is now yours to keep and care for. DO NOT LOSE THIS MUG. Next, carefully scrutinize the beers on draft. You can try one of the Blind Pig’s brews or one of your old favorites, that part is up to you. Finally, you present your mug, order your beer and pay $2 less than the menu price. Repeat steps two and three next week.
If you need a little a pick-me-up on Tuesday or time to wind down on Wednesday, then come join us at mug night. Make our ritual your ritual and just see if your general quality of life doesn’t improve. If the ritual doesn’t help the beer sure will!
